Pine trees have been ditched, wreaths and string lights returned to the warehouse, and in just a few short weeks there can be heavy grief as the holiday comedown officially begins.
The third Monday of every month, January 16th, is known as “Blue Monday” and is considered by some to be the saddest day of the year and an especially painful day.
Vera Cheng, a registered social worker and psychotherapist, told CTV, “Holiday celebrations are over and people are returning to their normal routines. Moreover, we are in the depths of the cold, dark winter season. I am facing it,” he said. News Channel Monday. “As the post-holiday recession sets in, we are responding to the reality of New Year’s resolutions, which can be a difficult time for mental health.”
According to the Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), one in five Canadians experiences a mental illness each year, and an estimated 2-3% of Canadians are affected by seasonal affective disorder (SAD). I’m here.
SAD is caused by seasonal changes, often occurring in late fall, and can cause sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest in normal activities, oversleeping, and weight gain.
What is Blue Monday?
The idea of ’Blue Monday’ was originally a marketing tactic used by British travel company Sky Travel in 2005, but it has since cemented itself as the darkest day of the year for a variety of reasons.
Factors such as long, cold nights, heavy post-holiday credit card bills, reduced social plans, and early SAD can make this Monday particularly heavy.
How to protect your mental health
The motivation induced by setting New Year’s resolutions may be beneficial for some, but for now, it’s important to avoid putting too much pressure on your new goals or comparing them to others. advises Mr.
“Don’t get caught up in your New Year’s resolutions and don’t compare on social media. Remember we see only a small part of people’s success. Expect to fail sometimes. please,” she says. “And being honest about your New Year’s resolutions will help you set realistic expectations out of them.”
Cheng also encourages people to reach out to their support system to stay connected.
“You can do this by reaching out to friends, family, or co-workers and setting up lunch or coffee dates or even considering virtual hookups.”
For example, joining a book club can be a positive outlet for people to share their feelings and learn how to manage them better, says Cheng.
“This helps build emotional and mental health resilience.”
In a post on the CAMH website, psychologist Katy Kamkar, Ph.D., said another way people can cope is by looking at their habits and seeing where they can make “simple but effective changes.” to confirm.
“Meaningful daily activities like getting proper sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, being physically active, and setting a budget to manage your spending habits can all help you feel more balanced. It’s a practical, achievable goal you can do,” Kamker says.
To get ahead of Blue Monday, Psychology Today advises setting a quality bedtime the night before, going to bed early, and limiting blue light from screens.
